What reading level is New England whaler?

New England whaler by Robert F. Baldwin is at a Level 6-7 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is New England whaler appropriate for?

New England whaler is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 11LP (Light — Physical). Content flags: Mild Peril.

What genre is New England whaler?

New England whaler is nonfiction — Juvenile Nonfiction. Part of the American Past Finder series.

Does New England whaler have any content warnings?

New England whaler has a HootRating of 11LP (Light — Physical). Content flags include: Mild Peril. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is New England whaler?

New England whaler by Robert F. Baldwin is 48 pages (approximately 5,175 words).

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

New England whaler

Robert F. Baldwin

New England whaler

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Robert F. Baldwin

American Past Finder

Reading Level 6-7 11LP Ages 9-12 Balanced Read Page-Turner

The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

Discover the adventurous world of New England whalers from the 1700s and 1800s, exploring their ships, daily routines, and the brave challenges they encountered on the high seas. Learn about the traditions and dangers that shaped this fascinating chapter of history. Perfect for young readers curious about maritime life and historical adventures.

Themes

HistoryAdventure Science & Nature

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 6-7 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated New England whaler 11LP

New England whaler is written at a Level 6-7 reading level across 48 pages (approximately 5,175 words). Strong independent readers around grade 7.7 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, New England whaler works for readers up to grade 8.7.

Read aloud, New England whaler takes about 34 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.

We rate New England whaler as 11LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril.

Thematically, New England whaler explores history, adventure, and science & nature — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about history, adventure, science & nature.
✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

Maybe not for

! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.